Hike to Kelly's Knob via the Appalachian Trail
Details
Distance
4 miles
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Jake Sells
Hike a segment of the Appalachian Trail to a Kelly's Knob, a rocky overlook looking over the valley below.
This is a great day hike for families or groups looking to get out for a short hike on the Appalachian Trail in Jefferson National Forest.
From 460W Take Blue Grass Trail Rd then a left onto Clover Hollow Rd/State Route 601. Continue on this for 6.7 miles until you reaches an intersection with the Appalachain Trail. There's some side road parking enough for a few cars and the trailhead is on the right.
The trail starts off ascending 500' in the first 0.5 mile but everything following this is a nice easy stroll along a ridge. Follow this for another 1.5 miles until an intersection with a sign and blue trail markers leading to the lookout is seen on the right.
There's a firepit and several rocky outlooks to explore and take pictures of.
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Reviews
Leave a ReviewGreat Peaceful Hike
Really great leader known hike in the Blacksburg Christiansburg area!
5.0
Less know, less traveled
I have not met many people in the area familiar with this trail. It is overshadowed by some of the more popular hikes in the region. But it is certainly a nice hike. I would recommend trying it sometime during the year when leaves are mostly fallen off the trees because the view is partially blocked otherwise.
4.0
This is a nice, gradually-climbing hike to a small outcrop. The view from the outcrop is partially obstructed by trees, but is still a nice view. The hike can also be done going south on the Appalachian Trail from Rt. 42. From this direction it passes through meadows, crosses streams, and also has a shelter for camping. Round trip distance from Rt. 42 would be 8.2 miles.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.